As much as we don’t want to admit it, the temperatures are dropping and soon enough, there may even be some white stuff falling from the skies. As the colder weather rolls in, our fitness routines often make their way into hibernation. With the cold temperatures also comes the holiday season and all of the delicious comfort foods.
If we slack off on our workouts during the winter months because, let’s face it, sometimes it’s just too darn cold outside, and we’re indulging in heavier, less healthy foods, we’re creating a recipe for disaster to our health and waistlines. So, how do we beat the bulge during the cold? Follow our 7 steps to winterizing your workout routine so that you keep your fabulously toned summer body all year round!
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Keep a workout bag packed in your car.
Have a pair of tennis shoes, workout clothing, hair ties, a water bottle, and maybe even an extra pair of headphones handy in your car. On days where you just want to rush home from work, you’ve made it convenient for yourself to drive by the gym. On those cold, dreary days, commit to just 15 minutes at the gym. Chances are you’ll end up doing a lot more once you get in the groove. And if not? Anything is better than nothing!
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Runners, layer up!
Before it gets too chilly outside, treat yourself to some cute new cold weather running gear. Think socks, gloves, headbands or hats, and a whole lot of layers. Once the cold weather hits, you’ll be excited to test out all of your new gear, so lacing up those running shoes won’t be a struggle!
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Lay out your workout clothes next to your bed.
Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier than normal and toss on those clothes first thing in the morning. When you don’t give yourself the chance to hit snooze, read emails, or start housework, you can crank out your workout efficiently in the AM! Remember, you don’t have to commit to an hour workout in order for it to “count,” anything is better than nothing!
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Drink extra water.
Have you or anyone you know ever complained that it hurts to breathe when exercising outdoors in the cold? This sensation is caused by dehydration and dehydrated glands in your body. Drink extra water before and after your workout. If you’re running or walking outside, take a small travel bottle along and take a sip every 10-20 minutes to keep that irritating sensation at bay. Run on!
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Sign up for a class.
Committing to a boot camp, yoga class, zumba class, etc. during the colder months will help keep you accountable to your fitness regimen. Look for classes at your local recreation center that meet several times a week. What’s even better, sign up with a friend or coworker so that you can encourage each other to stick with it throughout the season. There is strength in numbers when it comes to committing to your fitness!
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Stock up on home videos and YouTube.
On days when it’s just too cold to leave the house, there are still no excuses for skipping physical activity. You can get a kick butt workout in the comfort and warmth of your own home with a little help from the library and internet. Check around for home videos, YouTube channels with workouts, or check out any of the workouts on our site! Many workouts require little to no equipment, so all you need is your awesome self!
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Set a goal.
Many of us tend to set a weight loss or fitness goal to get in gear for summer. This motivating mindset can and should be taken into the colder months, as fitness is a never ending journey! None of us are perfect, and there is always something that you can improve on. If you’re a runner, use the cold season to work on increasing your speed with treadmill interval workouts. Looking to decrease your body fat? Make a goal to hit the gym at least three times a week to strength train. Whatever your goal may be, write it down and look at it often. Celebrate the smaller victories along the way, and come spring, you’ll be showing off a whole new you!
There you have it – your no excuses, fool proof guide to winterizing your workout routine for the colder months. Let’s keep moving!
Manon McGovern, creator of The Traveling Trainer, is a fitness and weight management specialist who loves sharing her passion for a healthy lifestyle. She studied Exercise Science at The Ohio State University and started personal training and teaching group exercise classes to introduce herself into the fitness world. She enjoys personal training and teaching Yoga, Spinning, KickBoxing, and strength classes. Now working... Read More
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